Letter to my son
Dear Son,
It's Christmas inside our home and it's not even Thanksgiving yet. The spirit of Christmas is helping our family, lifting our spirits, but more of that later.
You have taken on First Grade with gusto! You love to learn. Math is still your favorite. You even wrote in a paragraph prompt, "If you were a teacher, you would teach Math...." and more of course. You love your teacher, Ms. Falgout. I like her too and think she's doing an excellent job. She is new to APAAS, but you'd never know it, because she fits right in.
In the beginning of the school year, Ms. Missy met us at the carline and said, "Gregory is so sweet. Sometimes it's not the "in" thing for boys to be kind, but when we are older, that kindness is what really matters. Don't let him lose that." I tell you, "are my sweet son" and you often times reply I am "your sweet mom." Kindness is so important in life.
In the morning, you make sure to look for your friend, Anthony. The new school was a little difficult for him, which is understandable. You took it to heart to make sure that Anthony felt welcomed and happy at APAAS. I'm proud of you for looking out for him. Anthony is enjoying his school year now. It's so cute to see the two of you together.
You are doing very well in school. For your first real report card, you made all A's and O's. O's are for Outstanding. You teacher said that you are a pleasure to teach and said she wished she could clone you. She is seeing more and more of your personality. Ms. Falgout also said you pay attention and remember the lessons. I'm sure glad she sees this in you.
There are different roles each child can have in class. You were the pencil manager and the ac manager. You said, "Someone else was the ac manager, but they were fired." This made Oma and Mommy laugh. Then we asked, "What if the teacher gives the ac job to someone else. Will that mean you are fired?" With the most serious expression on your face, you answered, "No, because I will do a good job and not get fired!" You are already learning good work ethics.
Oma and Opa treated your class with information, pictures and items from their trip to China. When Mommy found out that your class was learning about China, we put everything together quickly, because my parents were leaving to go out of town. Your great-aunt Sophia, who was born and raised in China, sent pictures and shared about her heritage. One of the coolest things she wrote was the "sons and daughters in China consider themselves to be the sons and daughters of dragons." How neat is that? Especially as one of the chapter books you love to read focuses on "Dragon Masters."
Oma loved sharing the stories and asked you to help her read some of the sentences Sophia wrote about her childhood experiences. Later, Ms. Jacobs came up to Oma and said, "You taught my daughter." What a small world! Ms Jacobs made Oma's day when she continued, "You were a great teacher then and you are still a great teacher now!" Oma was beaming after that. I'm proud of her!
Twice this year, you were called out of P.E. Mrs. Campbell asked you to draw pictures both times. She is testing you for the Gifted Art program. You love creating and I know you would do wonders with the art program. I hope you get in, but it's okay if you don't. You shared how Mrs. Campbell said only two out of a large number students applying for the program in 1st grade are being tested now.
A few weeks ago, you made Christmas cards and gave them to the Cub Scouts to give to the men and women in the military. Last year, you made Christmas cards too and it took you a while to follow the instructions on the book. This year, you did the cards, looked at the picture, and had them finished in no time! You told me, "I have to make a special one for Daniel's daddy." Thank you to the men and women that serve, protect us and miss their families especially during the holidays.
Your confidence in your ability shines, both with art and singing. During the summer, your voice teacher, Mrs. Hannah, taught you how to sing our national anthem. This was awesome, because in class this week, the national anthem was being taught during the review of the War of 1812. Ms. Falgout asked the kids to sing. You said, "When Ms. Falgout realized I knew all the words, she asked me to stand in front of the class to help the class sing." You were SO tickled to do this! It was a highlight of the day. Just knowing that you were comfortable to sing in front of your classmates makes me happy.
But not all things at school went well... in the beginning of the school year, you had an issue with one child. I won't name names, because that's not polite to do. We'll call him Boy A. That's simple. You came home the first couple of weeks, complaining that Boy A was pushing you. We told you to stay away from him and made sure you didn't push back. When you came home another day and said Boy A almost pushed you off of the second story part of the gym, warning flags went up. You said you yelled out to Boy A to stop and he did. Okay. Another time, you said the kids were getting in line. Boy A went into a cubby and yelled that Gregory put him there. I had a shocked expression when you said this, so you explained, "Mommy, I never touched him and I wasn't even near him." I told you to stay with other kids, so you would have witnesses, because right now it's just your word against his.
But.... when you came home and said, "I was in the bathroom. Boy A came in. He put his hand hard on my chest and shook his fist in my face." That's when I reported it to the teacher. Fortunately, things have changed. You started to say that he was a "bad kid" and I corrected you in saying, "His behavior is bad, but that doesn't mean he is a bad person." You tell me that he leaves kids alone now and you stay away from him. Sometimes kids go through things in life... it could be a new class, stress of school, who knows. As long as you don't take it personal, you are safe and that you don't act mean in response ... if the other child's behavior stops, then we move up and on. Thank you, Gregory, for telling me what happened. And thank you to your teacher who watched and listened.
So, it's all good now. At school, I am amazed that you learned about Socrates. I studied his work in college. You said, "He is a great thinker. I like Socrates because he questioned things. Like me." When the teacher asked who you would want to talk to, you answered, "Alexander the Great, because I want to learn his strategy to win and Socrates, because I want to ask him questions!"
Strategy is something you are learning about in Chess club this year! I wish I could sit in the room and watch you play. It's great when you and Opa play chess. He was taught by Oma's daddy and now he gets to teach his grandson. It's so sweet! Your Chess teacher said you definitely are interested in the game. You know how all of the pieces move. You are working through the online lessons as well.
Piano lessons are great too. Hannah is a professional pianist. She is teaching far more than I ever taught my students (Mommy taught piano when I was in college). I'm grateful we have you taking classes with Louisiana Performing Arts Academy. You sight read beautifully. You are moving your hands over hands and learning the timing of the notes. Hannah doesn't let you get away with, "This is hard." She shows you that you can accomplish it. It's all about being willing to learn and practice, practice, practice. (This is also true for learning anything, from school to games to playing the piano... willing to learn and make the time to practice.)
This year, we shed tears.... you were there to hold Mommy's hand when we went to see our Cousin Andy. He was in a lot of pain and had been for a long time. Andy was an amazing person. When he talked to you, he made you feel important. He listened, really listened. He laughed, even through the worst days... not just laugh, but made it a point to see that everyone around him laughed as well. God called him home.. the day after we visited with him. Andy isn't in pain any more. He is running and making God belly laugh, I just know it! Plus, cooking some of the best gumbo in heaven.
Maybe you have the cooking gene too, from both sides of the family (not from Mommy though)... you love the cooking classes at Rouse's and Empty Nest Cafe. I sign you up as often as possible. You learn so much and you feel very comfortable in the classes. Your daddy loves to cook and so did uncle Jerry and cousin Andy.
I hope you are able to go to the Home Depot class in December. Sadly you missed both of the ones in November. The first one was missed because you were camping with the cub scouts (which you totally loved). Throughout the year, you completed a variety of kid's kits. The more you use the tools, the more confident you become. You just don't like it when Daddy tells you that he will do the hammering when you want to!
There are some skills you have not mastered.... not yet. You need to practice riding a bike. You were so close to learning and then the summer heat took over. You couldn't continue to practice outside and started to fear the bike again. You also need to learn how to roller skate. I wish they had classes for this.
St. Augustine's and St. Matthew's are great church communities for you to learn about God. St. Matthew's holds a variety of Children's ministries which is a combination of art projects and God's message. You eagerly go to the events.
Sunday school is a blessing and enriching your life. Mommy and Oma find joy in teaching the class and we love to see how God's love shines in the eyes of the children. Each lesson, we learn together. Especially this time, Mommy appreciates the lessons of God's peace and strength as much as the children.
Mommy, Daddy and Oma all had special things to celebrate this year... Daddy had a high school reunion. Oma turned 75. Mommy turned 50. You were so happy to see TJ! Rob, Roda and TJ came to visit... but mommy cried when Roda hugged her tight. It was special to have them in town, not just to celebrate a birthday, but to offer love and support at a much needed and difficult time.
Right before Mommy turned 50, Mommy found out some scary news. I have breast cancer. It was hard to hear the reality of it. I found out when I received a call at work. I cried. When I got home, I started to research and cry. Then I reached out on Facebook. It took me about 10 minutes just to type the words, "I have breast cancer." By typing those words, I made it real. When things go wrong in life, it's natural to hold it in and stick our heads in the sand and pretend that it's not real. By announcing it, I forced myself to face it.... and by doing so... wow, Mommy received support in leaps and bounds and in ways I couldn't possibly imagine. I felt as though cancer had taken control of my life, but I found out through support that I could gain that control back. I had decisions and research to do and the beautiful people - family, friends, APAAS family, support groups, coworkers, church communities.... they all helped. Mommy is grateful. When someone asks, "How are you doing?" I reply, "I'm hanging in there."
Sweet son, when you are faced with something difficult... don't ignore it, because it won't go away. Learn as much as you can, make good decisions to make the best out of a bad situation. Living in denial will not help. Face it and ask for the community to support you. Mommy will be going through surgery on December 13th. It's scary. I'm worried about the 8-12 hour procedure. I'm worried about the pain during recovery. I worry about worse things, but won't type them in a letter. I especially worry about you with school. I don't want you to fall behind or be affected by this.
Just know that Mommy is in excellent hands! Mommy has heard some really great things about her surgeons, Dr. Corsetti, Dr. Walters and Dr. Koobehi. They will take care of Mommy for the surgery.
Mommy has to get better... because we have lots of books to read together! Right now we are reading the last of the Worst Witch books. There are still lots of Dragon Master books to delve into. You also have the new series, "Dragon Slayers" to read. When you saw the title, you asked, "What does slayers mean?" I explained that it means to kill dragons. (Whereas, the Dragon Master are all about cool, good dragons.) You said, "No, I don't want to read this series." But you did and you like it. Maybe you will read to me as I'm recovering so I don't miss out on the stories. I would love that.
When I recover I won't have the energy to do as many things with you, so I'm filling this time with fun memories, trunk or treating, pumpkin patches, arts and crafts, cooking classes, cub scouts, music lessons... every second is worth it to see you smile.
I love the picture APAAS took of you talking to Santa. I asked if you knew they were taking the picture. You said No. You said, "I asked Santa for Legos and I asked him to make sure Mommy was home for Christmas after surgery and that she is happy." Santa said he would pray for mommy.
Right there, that is your heart. I love who you are, Gregory. Your kindness, your excitement for life, you brighten my spirit. You and Daddy helped Mommy to decorate Christmas early this year. The two of you heard Mommy saying that Christmas makes Mommy happy. The house looks so lovely. The Christmas spirit is soothing and joyful. Thank you both for being willing to decorate it before Thanksgiving.
When life gives us difficult paths, we can choose. We can choose to love, to laugh, to try, to heal and to move up and on. And all the while, do so with kindness and giving. Keep that beautiful sweetness son. I'm so proud of you. I love you more than you can possibly imagine.
Love Always,
Mommy
It's Christmas inside our home and it's not even Thanksgiving yet. The spirit of Christmas is helping our family, lifting our spirits, but more of that later.
You have taken on First Grade with gusto! You love to learn. Math is still your favorite. You even wrote in a paragraph prompt, "If you were a teacher, you would teach Math...." and more of course. You love your teacher, Ms. Falgout. I like her too and think she's doing an excellent job. She is new to APAAS, but you'd never know it, because she fits right in.
In the beginning of the school year, Ms. Missy met us at the carline and said, "Gregory is so sweet. Sometimes it's not the "in" thing for boys to be kind, but when we are older, that kindness is what really matters. Don't let him lose that." I tell you, "are my sweet son" and you often times reply I am "your sweet mom." Kindness is so important in life.
In the morning, you make sure to look for your friend, Anthony. The new school was a little difficult for him, which is understandable. You took it to heart to make sure that Anthony felt welcomed and happy at APAAS. I'm proud of you for looking out for him. Anthony is enjoying his school year now. It's so cute to see the two of you together.
You are doing very well in school. For your first real report card, you made all A's and O's. O's are for Outstanding. You teacher said that you are a pleasure to teach and said she wished she could clone you. She is seeing more and more of your personality. Ms. Falgout also said you pay attention and remember the lessons. I'm sure glad she sees this in you.
There are different roles each child can have in class. You were the pencil manager and the ac manager. You said, "Someone else was the ac manager, but they were fired." This made Oma and Mommy laugh. Then we asked, "What if the teacher gives the ac job to someone else. Will that mean you are fired?" With the most serious expression on your face, you answered, "No, because I will do a good job and not get fired!" You are already learning good work ethics.
Oma and Opa treated your class with information, pictures and items from their trip to China. When Mommy found out that your class was learning about China, we put everything together quickly, because my parents were leaving to go out of town. Your great-aunt Sophia, who was born and raised in China, sent pictures and shared about her heritage. One of the coolest things she wrote was the "sons and daughters in China consider themselves to be the sons and daughters of dragons." How neat is that? Especially as one of the chapter books you love to read focuses on "Dragon Masters."
Oma loved sharing the stories and asked you to help her read some of the sentences Sophia wrote about her childhood experiences. Later, Ms. Jacobs came up to Oma and said, "You taught my daughter." What a small world! Ms Jacobs made Oma's day when she continued, "You were a great teacher then and you are still a great teacher now!" Oma was beaming after that. I'm proud of her!
Twice this year, you were called out of P.E. Mrs. Campbell asked you to draw pictures both times. She is testing you for the Gifted Art program. You love creating and I know you would do wonders with the art program. I hope you get in, but it's okay if you don't. You shared how Mrs. Campbell said only two out of a large number students applying for the program in 1st grade are being tested now.
A few weeks ago, you made Christmas cards and gave them to the Cub Scouts to give to the men and women in the military. Last year, you made Christmas cards too and it took you a while to follow the instructions on the book. This year, you did the cards, looked at the picture, and had them finished in no time! You told me, "I have to make a special one for Daniel's daddy." Thank you to the men and women that serve, protect us and miss their families especially during the holidays.
Your confidence in your ability shines, both with art and singing. During the summer, your voice teacher, Mrs. Hannah, taught you how to sing our national anthem. This was awesome, because in class this week, the national anthem was being taught during the review of the War of 1812. Ms. Falgout asked the kids to sing. You said, "When Ms. Falgout realized I knew all the words, she asked me to stand in front of the class to help the class sing." You were SO tickled to do this! It was a highlight of the day. Just knowing that you were comfortable to sing in front of your classmates makes me happy.
But not all things at school went well... in the beginning of the school year, you had an issue with one child. I won't name names, because that's not polite to do. We'll call him Boy A. That's simple. You came home the first couple of weeks, complaining that Boy A was pushing you. We told you to stay away from him and made sure you didn't push back. When you came home another day and said Boy A almost pushed you off of the second story part of the gym, warning flags went up. You said you yelled out to Boy A to stop and he did. Okay. Another time, you said the kids were getting in line. Boy A went into a cubby and yelled that Gregory put him there. I had a shocked expression when you said this, so you explained, "Mommy, I never touched him and I wasn't even near him." I told you to stay with other kids, so you would have witnesses, because right now it's just your word against his.
But.... when you came home and said, "I was in the bathroom. Boy A came in. He put his hand hard on my chest and shook his fist in my face." That's when I reported it to the teacher. Fortunately, things have changed. You started to say that he was a "bad kid" and I corrected you in saying, "His behavior is bad, but that doesn't mean he is a bad person." You tell me that he leaves kids alone now and you stay away from him. Sometimes kids go through things in life... it could be a new class, stress of school, who knows. As long as you don't take it personal, you are safe and that you don't act mean in response ... if the other child's behavior stops, then we move up and on. Thank you, Gregory, for telling me what happened. And thank you to your teacher who watched and listened.
So, it's all good now. At school, I am amazed that you learned about Socrates. I studied his work in college. You said, "He is a great thinker. I like Socrates because he questioned things. Like me." When the teacher asked who you would want to talk to, you answered, "Alexander the Great, because I want to learn his strategy to win and Socrates, because I want to ask him questions!"
Strategy is something you are learning about in Chess club this year! I wish I could sit in the room and watch you play. It's great when you and Opa play chess. He was taught by Oma's daddy and now he gets to teach his grandson. It's so sweet! Your Chess teacher said you definitely are interested in the game. You know how all of the pieces move. You are working through the online lessons as well.
Piano lessons are great too. Hannah is a professional pianist. She is teaching far more than I ever taught my students (Mommy taught piano when I was in college). I'm grateful we have you taking classes with Louisiana Performing Arts Academy. You sight read beautifully. You are moving your hands over hands and learning the timing of the notes. Hannah doesn't let you get away with, "This is hard." She shows you that you can accomplish it. It's all about being willing to learn and practice, practice, practice. (This is also true for learning anything, from school to games to playing the piano... willing to learn and make the time to practice.)
This year, we shed tears.... you were there to hold Mommy's hand when we went to see our Cousin Andy. He was in a lot of pain and had been for a long time. Andy was an amazing person. When he talked to you, he made you feel important. He listened, really listened. He laughed, even through the worst days... not just laugh, but made it a point to see that everyone around him laughed as well. God called him home.. the day after we visited with him. Andy isn't in pain any more. He is running and making God belly laugh, I just know it! Plus, cooking some of the best gumbo in heaven.
Maybe you have the cooking gene too, from both sides of the family (not from Mommy though)... you love the cooking classes at Rouse's and Empty Nest Cafe. I sign you up as often as possible. You learn so much and you feel very comfortable in the classes. Your daddy loves to cook and so did uncle Jerry and cousin Andy.
I hope you are able to go to the Home Depot class in December. Sadly you missed both of the ones in November. The first one was missed because you were camping with the cub scouts (which you totally loved). Throughout the year, you completed a variety of kid's kits. The more you use the tools, the more confident you become. You just don't like it when Daddy tells you that he will do the hammering when you want to!
There are some skills you have not mastered.... not yet. You need to practice riding a bike. You were so close to learning and then the summer heat took over. You couldn't continue to practice outside and started to fear the bike again. You also need to learn how to roller skate. I wish they had classes for this.
St. Augustine's and St. Matthew's are great church communities for you to learn about God. St. Matthew's holds a variety of Children's ministries which is a combination of art projects and God's message. You eagerly go to the events.
Sunday school is a blessing and enriching your life. Mommy and Oma find joy in teaching the class and we love to see how God's love shines in the eyes of the children. Each lesson, we learn together. Especially this time, Mommy appreciates the lessons of God's peace and strength as much as the children.
Mommy, Daddy and Oma all had special things to celebrate this year... Daddy had a high school reunion. Oma turned 75. Mommy turned 50. You were so happy to see TJ! Rob, Roda and TJ came to visit... but mommy cried when Roda hugged her tight. It was special to have them in town, not just to celebrate a birthday, but to offer love and support at a much needed and difficult time.
Right before Mommy turned 50, Mommy found out some scary news. I have breast cancer. It was hard to hear the reality of it. I found out when I received a call at work. I cried. When I got home, I started to research and cry. Then I reached out on Facebook. It took me about 10 minutes just to type the words, "I have breast cancer." By typing those words, I made it real. When things go wrong in life, it's natural to hold it in and stick our heads in the sand and pretend that it's not real. By announcing it, I forced myself to face it.... and by doing so... wow, Mommy received support in leaps and bounds and in ways I couldn't possibly imagine. I felt as though cancer had taken control of my life, but I found out through support that I could gain that control back. I had decisions and research to do and the beautiful people - family, friends, APAAS family, support groups, coworkers, church communities.... they all helped. Mommy is grateful. When someone asks, "How are you doing?" I reply, "I'm hanging in there."
Sweet son, when you are faced with something difficult... don't ignore it, because it won't go away. Learn as much as you can, make good decisions to make the best out of a bad situation. Living in denial will not help. Face it and ask for the community to support you. Mommy will be going through surgery on December 13th. It's scary. I'm worried about the 8-12 hour procedure. I'm worried about the pain during recovery. I worry about worse things, but won't type them in a letter. I especially worry about you with school. I don't want you to fall behind or be affected by this.
Just know that Mommy is in excellent hands! Mommy has heard some really great things about her surgeons, Dr. Corsetti, Dr. Walters and Dr. Koobehi. They will take care of Mommy for the surgery.
Mommy has to get better... because we have lots of books to read together! Right now we are reading the last of the Worst Witch books. There are still lots of Dragon Master books to delve into. You also have the new series, "Dragon Slayers" to read. When you saw the title, you asked, "What does slayers mean?" I explained that it means to kill dragons. (Whereas, the Dragon Master are all about cool, good dragons.) You said, "No, I don't want to read this series." But you did and you like it. Maybe you will read to me as I'm recovering so I don't miss out on the stories. I would love that.
When I recover I won't have the energy to do as many things with you, so I'm filling this time with fun memories, trunk or treating, pumpkin patches, arts and crafts, cooking classes, cub scouts, music lessons... every second is worth it to see you smile.
I love the picture APAAS took of you talking to Santa. I asked if you knew they were taking the picture. You said No. You said, "I asked Santa for Legos and I asked him to make sure Mommy was home for Christmas after surgery and that she is happy." Santa said he would pray for mommy.
Right there, that is your heart. I love who you are, Gregory. Your kindness, your excitement for life, you brighten my spirit. You and Daddy helped Mommy to decorate Christmas early this year. The two of you heard Mommy saying that Christmas makes Mommy happy. The house looks so lovely. The Christmas spirit is soothing and joyful. Thank you both for being willing to decorate it before Thanksgiving.
When life gives us difficult paths, we can choose. We can choose to love, to laugh, to try, to heal and to move up and on. And all the while, do so with kindness and giving. Keep that beautiful sweetness son. I'm so proud of you. I love you more than you can possibly imagine.
Love Always,
Mommy
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